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Factor VII deficiency - Treatment

Alternative Names

Extrinsic factor deficiency

Treatment:

Patients can control bleeding episodes by receiving normal plasma, concentrates of factor VII, or genetically produced (recombinant) factor VII through a vein (intravenous). People need frequent treatment during bleeding episodes because factor VII does not last for long inside the body. A form of factor VII called NovoSeven can also be used.

If a lack of vitamin K is causing the disorder, you can take vitamin K by mouth, through injections under the skin, or through a vein (intravenously).

Support Groups:

You can often help the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See hemophilia - resources.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome can be good with proper treatment.

This is a life-long disorder if you get it from your parents. If it is caused by liver disease, the outcome depends on how well your liver problem can be treated.

Complications:

  • Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage)
  • Stroke or other nervous system problems from central nervous system bleeding
  • Joint problems in severe cases when bleeding happens often

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have severe, unexplained bleeding.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/28/2011
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Gailani d, Neff AT. Rare coagulation factor deficiencies. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier;2008:chap 127.

Kessler C. Hemorrhagic disorders: coagulation factor deficiencies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 180.

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